European supergrid would revolutionise our energy supply30 September 2011
Connecting Britain to a Europe-wide electricity grid would be better for our energy needs, says a new MP report.
The report reveals that a new supergrid would balance electricity supply and demand more effectively. And create tens of thousands of new jobs.
Friends of the Earth welcomes the findings. A smarter grid would help the growth of green power - freeing us from expensive fossil fuels and boosting our energy security.
Benefits of the supergrid
When the wind's not blowing in Britain, it often is elsewhere in Europe.
The supergrid could allow Britain to export clean power during windy periods and import it from abroad when the weather's calmer.
The Government has increased its target for offshore renewable energy from 13 to 18 gigawatts (GW) by 2020. And as many as 280 North Sea wind farms could be built in the next 20 years.
Our renewable energy resources could be equal to 1bn barrels of oil a year - allowing us to become a net exporter of energy.
Plugging into the supergrid would give households long-term protection from soaring power bills.
Paul Steedman, Energy Campaigner, Friends of the Earth
The potential wins from a European supergrid include:
- 25% capital cost saving
from connecting energy farms to a European grid, rather than connecting them individually. - A balance of supply and demand
by using foreign electricity sources as well as UK ones. - Vital support
of the UK's ageing onshore grid network.
More than one solution
A European supergrid is some way off, but there are things the Government should be doing now to improve energy efficiency.
Please tell them, using our petition for energy saving.
